City of Detroit Lets Residents Know How To Address Trees Downed By Recent Storm

High winds from yesterday’s storms have toppled trees throughout Metro Detroit. To address the damage as quickly as possible, the City of Detroit has called in additional surveyors and forestry crews. Surveyors have been assessing storm damage across the city since early Wednesday morning.

In order to better serve citizens, the City’s Ombudsman has added additional operators to handle the increased call volume. To report a downed tree, residents should call the Office of the Ombudsman at (313) 224-6000 or go online at www.detroitmi.gov.

Priority is being given to fallen trees that are blocking streets or on top of homes and vehicles. The City’s forestry crews will focus on trees that were rooted on city property or blocking streets and sidewalks.

How to determine if a tree is the city’s property or private property:

If the fallen tree is located between the curb and the sidewalk of a home, it is the responsibility of the city and city crews will address them. To report a fallen tree on city property, residents should call 313-224-6000 or fill out a form posted on the city’s website at www.detroitmi.gov (full link below).

If the tree is between the sidewalk and the house or in a backyard, it is on private property and is the responsibility of the homeowner, who should contact their insurance company or a private contractor. If the tree fell from private property but is blocking the street, residents should still call the city at 313-224-6000.

Additional information:

Downed Power Lines: If a fallen tree or limb has impacted a power line, stay away and call DTE Energy’s emergency line immediately at 800-477-4747

Removal of tree limbs: If homeowners have taken it upon themselves to cut up a fallen tree or limbs on their property, they should cut the debris into sections no longer than 48 inches and leave it at the curb for their next scheduled yard waste collection date.